Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Bust

An attempt to locate a runaway juvenile resulted with the arrest of two men and the confiscation of 400 pounds of suspected marijuana by Emery County Sheriff's Office deputies on Feb. 1.

The sheriff's office received an attempt to locate a runaway juvenile somewhere along Interstate 70 and Fremont Junction on Feb. 1 and after arriving at the scene Deputy Richard Graham observed a utility van pull off the road briefly and then return to the highway, driving eastbound.

According to Sheriff Lamar Guymon, Graham stopped the vehicle to see if they had picked up a hitchhiker. While talking to the driver Graham observed what he thought to be a quantity of marijuana in the van.

The deputy detained the two suspects and summoned other officers.

According to Guymon the van was taken to the sheriff's office and a search warrant was obtained.

Detective Jeff Thomas, members of the Emery County Drug Task Force and other officers searched the van and located 400 pounds of suspected marijuana in a large tool box in the back of the van.

The two suspects, Alfonso Ramirez and Salvador Herrera, were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute.